MASON

So Mason how did you get started?
I got started while doing laundry in college. I didn’t have anything to do while washing my clothes so I started writing songs.

At first it was more rock n roll but once I realized I couldn’t sing the songs became more and more hip-hop.



Did you always want to work in music or is this something you only discovered you could do while doing laundry?
I actually only considered music while I was doing laundry. I wasn’t one of those people who had always dreamed of being a rapper or musician. I always loved music but I never wanted to work in music until I discovered I had a knack for it.

What did you study in college?
I was a psychology major for two years. I left when I decided I would pursue music whole heartedly.

Most people wait until after they graduate to begin their passion, how did you overcome that obstacle?
It wasn’t that difficult for me to overcome because I’m a pretty fearless person. It also helped to know that I was always really good at school. In high school I took my education very seriously and I did the same while attending college classes. School just wasn’t very tough for me personally.

I decided if I was going to go for something outside of education, I was going to do it now. I figured if I fail now, I could always go back to school afterwards. I don’t think it will ever be a problem for me. I also understood that more schooling wouldn’t get me that far in this business. I needed to build on it and take it seriously. I think it is a person-to-person thing though.

What kind of reaction did you get from your family?
I was actually really afraid to tell my parents. Education had been the center of my life for my entire life, so telling them was a big deal. Instead of telling them directly, I told them I wanted to transfer schools. So I continued taking classes at a community college for a while. Then after I had a couple tracks recorded, I presented it to them. I figured first impressions are everything and I wanted them to see how serious I was. And lucky for me they were very supportive.

Where does your content come from?
Life and I read a lot.

Who are you most influenced by?
Eminem. I have been listening to him since I was a kid. I remember when his videos would come out, I would watch them nonstop. I’m talking hundreds of times. I love how he continues to evolve as a rapper.

What was touring like?
It’s been so fun. Seeing the fans reaction, the hands in to air, the cheering, it’s amazing. Even seeing those people who are reluctant to be into it and slowly winning them over is exhilarating. My friend has this saying, which is
“whatever part you’re doing in the music industry is the best part to you at the time; whether it is recording in the studio, writing, or touring and performing.”
When the music resonates with the audience honestly there is no other feeling like it.

Related: Interview With SoNcier: A College Hip Hop Artist [mp3]
Related: Interview With Julian Howard: Ohio Univ Entrepreneur

Who are you interested in collaborating with?
I’ve always wanted to work with Tom Chaplin or like Hayley Williams, but I would also want to work with some of the newer artists like J Cole and Big Sean. The list could go on forever.
MASON – ITS ON NOW (PRODUCED BY PRETTY LIGHTS)


How do you feel about aspiring artists going to school before they start their music career; did it slow you down, did it help you?
For me personally, it slowed me down and it was a waste of money. But than again, would I have begun if I weren’t stuck at that laundry machine?
I think if you are not the type of person who is able to dream big and put every aspect of your life on hold to go after the music, than you shouldn’t do it.
You can always go back to school. You can always take online courses. I mean, I’m not saying you shouldn’t get a high school diploma but at the same time you have to be willing to jump head on into it.

If you - Bright Futura

Interview By Erik Rojas

Hip-Hop has been full of fresh, young, up and coming acts as of late, and Philadelphia’s own Mason is no exception. With his aggressive rhythmic style and a philosophy on life that centers on music, Mason may just enter your radar soon enough. Here he talks about his influences and upcoming projects! Be sure to snag his free 18-track mixtape as well.

Erik Rojas: Hey Mason, how are things going right now?

Mason: Hazy, mainly due to this Headband I’ve been smoking from the West Coast.

E.R: So how does the city of Philadelphia affect your writing? Does Philly have its own characteristics in terms of hip-hop?

M: Philly’s really divided in terms of hip-hop. You have the mainstream and the underground and the two don’t often mix. It makes me want to bridge the gap to get support from everyone.

E.R: “The Rush” has a very aggressive hip-hop aura to it. It sounds angry, at least in terms of the beat. What sort of influences amounted to this sound?

M: The song is produced by a guy named W.E.L. Spoken, who will be dropping his first project sometime in May or June. I know that he draws inspiration from everything. Last time I was at his [studio] he was sampling some random preacher’s sermon on vinyl from the 60’s. I think his wide-range draw is really what made this beat so original. It’s as hip-hop electro and rock fusion as it gets. “The Rush” as far as lyrics and flow go is truly the most [introspective] song I’ve ever done.

E.R: Let’s talk about the Ready Set; you are collaborating with Jordan in terms of production, and he is even going to be on the record at times. First of all, how did this come about, and second, did Jordan influence the writing in anyway?

M: David Conway and David Lovett are the ones putting us together and to be honest, I’ve yet to meet Jordan. But I Love The Ready Set and as soon as they brought it up as a possibility I jumped on it. When we get into the studio with what we’ve been cooking up separately and put it together I’m sure it will be magic. The world will just have to wait for the album. It gives me a woody.

E.R: You were just recently signed to Doghouse, alongside La Dispute and A Lot Like Birds. How has the label been so far, and are there advantages to being a hip-hop act alongside mainly rock and progressive musicians?

M: I’m new to the team, but from what I can tell so far I like whom I’m playing for. As cliché’ as it may sound these guys are all about the music. They’re taking talented acts and making them innovative. Doghouse is constantly trying new things and I think it was only a matter of time before they branched out to hip-hop. I love the hip-rock and have been gravitating toward it as my music has progressed. I think my style is perfect for Doghouse. I’m ready to do something new, and they have no intentions other than aiding me. With all of the other acts at Doghouse I see resources, and inspiration.

E.R: You have a picture alongside a blue cartoon creature; does it symbolize anything about you or your music? What sparked the idea for the design?

M: It’s basically because I’m a fucking beast (kidding). An incredible artist named Rachel Auriemma did the artwork. She developed the blue guy who I’ve nicknamed Sammy as one of her many characters. Sammy because he’s just one cool mo-fo and I instantly thought of Sammy Davis Jr. I wasted no time making it my wallpaper. It made me feel like I’ve been in Where The Wild Things Are. I kind of have been, actually.

E.R: Got any big shows coming up in the near future?

M: Performing is my favorite part of doing this and why I went from songwriter to artist. We’re lining them up now, stay tuned.

E.R: Any last thoughts for the fans and future fans reading?

M: You’ll see. - TheSoundAlaram.com

Interview By Erik Rojas

Hip-Hop has been full of fresh, young, up and coming acts as of late, and Philadelphia’s own Mason is no exception. With his aggressive rhythmic style and a philosophy on life that centers on music, Mason may just enter your radar soon enough. Here he talks about his influences and upcoming projects! Be sure to snag his free 18-track mixtape as well.

Erik Rojas: Hey Mason, how are things going right now?

Mason: Hazy, mainly due to this Headband I’ve been smoking from the West Coast.

E.R: So how does the city of Philadelphia affect your writing? Does Philly have its own characteristics in terms of hip-hop?

M: Philly’s really divided in terms of hip-hop. You have the mainstream and the underground and the two don’t often mix. It makes me want to bridge the gap to get support from everyone.

E.R: “The Rush” has a very aggressive hip-hop aura to it. It sounds angry, at least in terms of the beat. What sort of influences amounted to this sound?

M: The song is produced by a guy named W.E.L. Spoken, who will be dropping his first project sometime in May or June. I know that he draws inspiration from everything. Last time I was at his [studio] he was sampling some random preacher’s sermon on vinyl from the 60’s. I think his wide-range draw is really what made this beat so original. It’s as hip-hop electro and rock fusion as it gets. “The Rush” as far as lyrics and flow go is truly the most [introspective] song I’ve ever done.

E.R: Let’s talk about the Ready Set; you are collaborating with Jordan in terms of production, and he is even going to be on the record at times. First of all, how did this come about, and second, did Jordan influence the writing in anyway?

M: David Conway and David Lovett are the ones putting us together and to be honest, I’ve yet to meet Jordan. But I Love The Ready Set and as soon as they brought it up as a possibility I jumped on it. When we get into the studio with what we’ve been cooking up separately and put it together I’m sure it will be magic. The world will just have to wait for the album. It gives me a woody.

E.R: You were just recently signed to Doghouse, alongside La Dispute and A Lot Like Birds. How has the label been so far, and are there advantages to being a hip-hop act alongside mainly rock and progressive musicians?

M: I’m new to the team, but from what I can tell so far I like whom I’m playing for. As cliché’ as it may sound these guys are all about the music. They’re taking talented acts and making them innovative. Doghouse is constantly trying new things and I think it was only a matter of time before they branched out to hip-hop. I love the hip-rock and have been gravitating toward it as my music has progressed. I think my style is perfect for Doghouse. I’m ready to do something new, and they have no intentions other than aiding me. With all of the other acts at Doghouse I see resources, and inspiration.

E.R: You have a picture alongside a blue cartoon creature; does it symbolize anything about you or your music? What sparked the idea for the design?

M: It’s basically because I’m a fucking beast (kidding). An incredible artist named Rachel Auriemma did the artwork. She developed the blue guy who I’ve nicknamed Sammy as one of her many characters. Sammy because he’s just one cool mo-fo and I instantly thought of Sammy Davis Jr. I wasted no time making it my wallpaper. It made me feel like I’ve been in Where The Wild Things Are. I kind of have been, actually.

E.R: Got any big shows coming up in the near future?

M: Performing is my favorite part of doing this and why I went from songwriter to artist. We’re lining them up now, stay tuned.

E.R: Any last thoughts for the fans and future fans reading?

M: You’ll see. - TheSoundAlaram.com

ith their debut full-length, A Lot Like Birds have become one of post-hardcore’s most important new bands and one of the few capable of saving the scene - Mind Equals Blown

Here is the Doghouse Records 2012 Digital Sampler. The sampler features new tracks from Jowls, Kurt Travis, Keyes, A Lot Like Birds, and many more.

1. JOWLS - “CARRIER”
2. KURT TRAVIS - “HOW ARE THINGS?”
3. A LOT LIKE BIRDS - “VANITY’S FAIR”
4. GROWN UPS - “COUCH KING”
5. KEYES - “SNOWGLOBE”
6. MASON - “THE RUSH”
7. WITH THE PUNCHES - “NO…I’M NOT GOING TO 80s NIGHT
8. MYSTERY SKULLS - “UNSTOPPABLE”
9. MANBOX - “NO ONE’S THERE” - Doghouse Records

ith their debut full-length, A Lot Like Birds have become one of post-hardcore’s most important new bands and one of the few capable of saving the scene - Mind Equals Blown

Here is the Doghouse Records 2012 Digital Sampler. The sampler features new tracks from Jowls, Kurt Travis, Keyes, A Lot Like Birds, and many more.

1. JOWLS - “CARRIER”
2. KURT TRAVIS - “HOW ARE THINGS?”
3. A LOT LIKE BIRDS - “VANITY’S FAIR”
4. GROWN UPS - “COUCH KING”
5. KEYES - “SNOWGLOBE”
6. MASON - “THE RUSH”
7. WITH THE PUNCHES - “NO…I’M NOT GOING TO 80s NIGHT
8. MYSTERY SKULLS - “UNSTOPPABLE”
9. MANBOX - “NO ONE’S THERE” - Doghouse Records